Going Through Pregnancy Alone

Question: "I'm 36 years old and single — and six weeks pregnant. I'm so happy to be having a baby because I wasn't sure I could get pregnant, but I've broken up with my boyfriend and I'm scared to be doing this without a partner. My girlfriends do give me some positive words, but how can I handle this alone?"

I'm so sorry to hear about your breakup — the end of a relationship is stressful enough at any time, but it's especially tough when you're expecting. Although it's difficult to go through pregnancy without a partner and raise a child as a single mother, it's certainly not impossible — you'll be following in the footsteps of many, many moms who have done it and done it well (and are happy they did). And chances are the joy you'll experience will more than compensate for the challenges you'll face (you have a lot of exciting changes ahead!).

Remember, too, that just because your boyfriend is out of the picture, you're far from alone. Those girlfriends who are already helping you through the breakup can step in to help with the pregnancy too — and so can lots of other people in your life, including your family. You'll need plenty of support and plenty of hand-holding — so don't hesitate to ask for it. Especially important will be finding one special person (who could be a friend or a family member) to serve as your pregnancy and labor "coach" — someone who's willing and able to go with you to your practitioner visits, attend childbirth classes with you, and cheer you on through delivery. If you don't have one friend who can do it all, you can consider signing on a team of supporters and cheerleaders who can share the various responsibilities a partner would have.

For even more support, consider joining a local group for single mothers, or finding an online message board or mailing list. In fact, you can start right here by seeking out another single moms-to-be on our Message Boards. Our community of amazing women, some just like you, can help you make this journey with plenty of support.

I wish you lots of luck — and even more happiness — in your new life.

May all of your greatest expectations come true!

Written by Heidi Murkoff

Heidi Murkoff is the author of the world’s best-selling pregnancy and parenting series, What to Expect, that began with What to Expect When You’re Expecting. She is also the creator of WhatToExpect.com and founder of the What to Expect Foundation.